TNA D3 Music City District, Tennessee Nurses Association

11/21/2025

📣 Important Policy Update from the U.S. Department of Education -
Reclassification of Professional Degrees

The U.S. Department of Education has released a significant update that affects multiple disciplines across the country, including nursing. A newly issued list outlines which academic programs will no longer be classified as professional degrees, shifting them into a different federal reporting category.

The degrees affected include:
• Education (including teaching master’s degrees)
• Nursing (MSN, DNP)
• Social Work (MSW, DSW)
• Public Health (MPH, DrPH)
• Physician Assistant
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Business master’s programs
• Engineering master’s programs
• Counseling and therapy degrees
• …and numerous other non-doctoral professional fields

This type of reclassification has the potential to influence multiple aspects of our profession—ranging from how academic programs are perceived to how institutions report degree data for accreditation, funding, program development, and workforce planning.

💬 We want to hear from you.

For nurses:

Share your reaction to this announcement.
Does this change align—or conflict—with your sense of what it means to earn an advanced nursing degree?

How might this shift influence professional identity, recognition, or career pathways?

For organizations, schools, and leaders:

Tell us how this may affect your academic programming, faculty hiring, recruitment pipelines, or long-term strategic planning.
Could this reclassification influence enrollment trends, grant eligibility, or the perceived value of graduate nursing education?

As always, our association remains committed to advocating for the integrity and recognition of nursing education at every level. Your voices will shape the collective response as we continue monitoring the implications of this policy shift.

Members and partners, join the conversation below.

11/20/2025

National Rural Health Day – Celebrating the Power of Rural

In Tennessee, where nearly one in three counties is classified as rural, access to quality care can be challenging. Nurse practitioners, rural clinics, and local hospitals are lifelines for these communities — often serving with fewer resources, longer hours, and unwavering commitment.

Today, we celebrate:
✔️ Rural nurses and NPs on the frontlines
✔️ Community-based solutions improving access
✔️ Organizations like the State Office of Rural Health (SORH) work year-round to close care gaps

Let’s continue to uplift rural health voices and advocate for equitable, accessible care — no matter the zip code.

🔗 Learn more at powerofrural.org

📞 Contact: info@powerofrural.org
| 888-391-7258 x104

11/19/2025

CALLING ALL COLLEGE JUNIORS and SENIORS!
The National Urban League and McDonald's are now accepting applications for the 2026 College Leaders Program!
WHERE/ An immersive experience in NYC
WHEN/ February 11-14
WHAT/ Build career connections, develop leadership skills, and join a community of ambitious peers shaping the future of equity.
ELIGIBILITY/
- College juniors or senior status
- Active campus leadership
- 3.0 GPA or higher

Flights and hotel covered.
🚨Deadline is Nov 30! Don't miss this chance!
Apply Now/ https://lnkd.in/g4_znTky

11/17/2025

💜 World Prematurity Day – November 17

Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely — that’s more than 1 in 10 births worldwide. In the U.S. alone, about 1 in 10 infants are born preterm.

Premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5, and survivors often face lifelong health challenges, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and increased risk of chronic illness.

At the heart of NICUs and family-centered care, nurses and nurse practitioners provide critical support, clinical expertise, and hope to the tiniest patients and their families.

Let’s raise awareness, support research, and advocate for better maternal and infant health.

Together, we can give every baby the best possible start.

11/14/2025

Addressing the Shortage: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners & Educators Needed Now!

Across the nation, a critical shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and SANE educators is leaving survivors waiting—sometimes days—for the compassionate, trauma-informed care they deserve.

These specialized nurses are vital in both healing and justice, providing evidence collection, expert testimony, and emotional support during one of the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life. Yet, with too few certified educators to train new examiners, the shortage continues to deepen.

As a professional nursing community, we must work together to advocate for funding, support training programs, and expand access to SANE education nationwide. Every survivor deserves timely, skilled, and dignified care—no exceptions.

To learn more click here: https://www.forensicnurses.org

Research.Educate.Lead

11/12/2025

🌍 World Pneumonia Day – November 12

Pneumonia is a preventable and treatable illness, yet it remains the leading infectious cause of death in children under 5 worldwide — claiming over 700,000 young lives each year.

In adults, pneumonia hospitalizations in the U.S. number over 1 million annually, with older adults and those with chronic conditions atthe highest risk.

🩺 As nurse practitioners and healthcare providers, we play a vital role in early detection, vaccination awareness, and education.

Let’s raise our voices to advocate for stronger healthcare systems, accessible vaccines, and equitable care for all.

🫁 Pneumonia can be deadly — but it doesn’t have to be.

11/12/2025

📢 The Future of Nursing Depends on Access to Education

As our healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges, limitations to student loan availability and access threaten the very foundation of nursing education. Many nursing students depend on federal aid, loan forgiveness programs, and flexible repayment options to complete their degrees—whether they’re beginning in practical or associate programs or advancing to BSN, MSN, or doctoral levels.

With financial aid deadlines approaching for the 2025–2026 academic year, including the FAFSA application period and institutional scholarship cutoffs, it’s essential for current and prospective nursing students to act now. Changes in federal funding policies and loan access could determine whether future nurses can afford to begin or continue their education.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Pre-licensure students (LPN, ASN, BSN) may face delays in program entry, inability to cover clinical and testing fees, or interruptions in completion if loan limits tighten.

Post-licensure students (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and advanced practice tracks) risk postponing graduate study, which directly impacts the pipeline of nurse educators, leaders, and practitioners needed to sustain the profession.

Every unfilled nursing seat today becomes a staffing gap tomorrow. Financial barriers shouldn’t decide who becomes a nurse—or who advances in practice to lead and teach the next generation.

As deadlines near, apply early, explore state and institutional scholarships, and stay engaged in advocacy for equitable access to educational funding.

🔹 Education access is workforce access. Let’s protect both.

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
To all nurse practitioners, nurses, and healthcare professionals who are veterans — we thank you for your service and your continued dedication to the well-being of others.

Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment inspire us every day.

11/11/2025

Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week!

This week, we honor the compassionate care, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication of nurse practitioners across Tennessee and beyond. Your impact transforms lives every single day.

Join us in celebrating the heroes in healthcare who lead with heart, skill, and service.

11/07/2025

Honoring Our Veterans!

Mark your calendars because you’ve been invited to the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville, TN, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Let’s come together as a community to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of all who have served our nation. Bring your family, colleagues, and fellow nurses as we celebrate those who have protected our freedom.

🎖️ “Together we will honor all who served our nation with courage and pride.”

11/06/2025

Happy Medical-Surgical Nurses Week!

This week, we proudly celebrate the dedication, skill, and compassion of our Medical-Surgical Nurses — the foundation of patient care in every hospital and healthcare setting.

From managing complex cases to providing comfort and connection at the bedside, Med-Surg nurses embody the heart of nursing practice: critical thinking, adaptability, and unwavering compassion.

👏 Join us in honoring these exceptional professionals who make a difference every day — balancing science and empathy, leadership and teamwork, strength and grace.